Cave

International Union of Speleology defines “cave” as a natural underground space where human beings can enter into, which can be partially or completely filled by sediment, water or ice. The cave combined by two or more lateral and vertical passages, which are complicated, branched or netty in structures can be called as cave system.


Speleology

Speleology is a science researching the cave formation, morphological characteristics, development and evolution as well as exploitation and utilization. The foundation of British Union of Speleology in 1936 marked the official formation of speleology. The world permanent cave committee was founded in 1949. The first international speleology conference was held in Paris in 1953, the fourth international speleology conference was held in Ljubljana in 1965 and International Union of Speleology was set up. The Cave Research Association of Geological Society of China was established in 1991.